Pair Of Whist Markers, Japan Meiji Period Metal And Shibayama

Whist is a card game invented in the 17th century and which was widely played between the 18th and 19th centuries. The marker is used to count points and games won. The five wide flaps are used for points, and the three narrow flaps for games won.
The elegant markers offered here are of Japanese origin in heavy metal, traditional Japanese antimony alloy, patinated bronze color with gold highlights, these two marks are decorated with the same scene of cranes in a landscape flowered with chrysanthemums. The keys of the counters are in Ivory, finely inlaid in Shibayama with insects in stones and mother-of-pearl.
Brand or signature in characters in the metal under the tab at the bottom right for one and at the top left for the other.
Meiji period 1868-1912, circa 1880.

Very good condition with signs of age (wear to patina, deformation to one corner on the underside.

Dimensions 9.4cm x 5.4cm each
Weight 230g each